Beginner here: I need some help and comforting on newly established tank
Attached photos from first week and then third week.
Hi everyone, it is my first time building a shrimp tank (10L). This tank is in its third week. It looked great the first 10 days, I left for vacation for a week and found it looking absolutely disgusting.
Most of the plants look dead, even the moss, the water is dirty and I found a worm/parasite looking creature and a few minuscule bugs roaming around.
I have read that plant melting is normal, but is it supposed to be looking like this?
I need to mention that during the vacation, the light was off. Was this a mistake on my part? Sunlight reaches the tank during the day.
I will do a water change and scrape the glass asap. How much should I change? Is 50% too much?
Also, my concern is with the worm. Is it dangerous, what should I do?
I am thinking of buying fertilizer as well asap, I havent used any until now.
Should I clean off/remove the dead plants?
Any tips, recommendations, and words of comfort are very welcome😭
Thank you!